AusLeisure

Fitness Australia has applauded yesterday's decision by the NSW Government to relax the COVID Marshal requirements for gyms.

The announcement (which takes effect from tomorrow - Friday 23rd October) follows months of ongoing engagement between Fitness Australia and the NSW Government to ensure gyms can operate while ensuring the health and safety of members and staff.

The easing will require fitness facilities to only have a COVID Marshal in attendance if there are more than 20 people in the gym at one time.

Advising that the move has been welcomed by the industry, Fitness Australia Chief Executive, Barrie Elvish (pictured) advised “we are thrilled with yesterday’s announcement by the NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet on the easing of COVID Marshal requirements for gyms. This is a an extremely successful outcome of our continued collaboration with the NSW Government to work through options for the fitness industry that not only allow people to safely exercise in a fitness facility but also ensure the commercial viability of thousands of businesses.

“The relaxation of COVID Marshals means gyms can now sustainably operate during their usual hours of operation. This is especially important for 24-hour gyms, which can now provide a round-the-clock safe service without the added cost of employing a COVID Marshal to be in attendance at all times.

“Gyms and fitness facilities will still be required to have a COVID Marshal during ‘peak’ times when there are more than 20 people in the gym.”

Fitness Australia has been working collaboratively with the NSW Government, including NSW Minister for Health Brad Hazzard and the NSW Ministry of Health, during the pandemic to represent its members and ensure the industry has input and consultation on a range of COVID-Safe protocols and requirements.

Elvish added “it’s fantastic to be working effectively with the Government and the NSW Ministry of Health on developing and implementing COVIDSafe practices that protect our community while allowing them to go about their usual lives as much as possible.”

Related Articles

21st October 2020 - NSW Government advises easing of gym Coronavirus restrictions

20th October 2020 - ExerciseNZ cites growing evidence gyms and fitness clubs are safe

19th October 2020 - Reopened fitness clubs see more than two-thirds of members return

16th October 2020 - Fitness Australia’s Barrie Elvish maintains calls for gyms to open in regional Victoria

13th October 2020 - Vic Active continues to call for reopening of indoor fitness centres

8th October 2020 - Fitness Australia releases research showing impact of lockdown gym closures

8th October 2020 - Global Wellness Institute reports Asia-Pacific having largest economic growth in fitness, sport and recreation sectors

7th October 2020 - Fitness Australia Chief Executive slams ‘potentially damaging’ FITREC claims

2nd October 2020 - Fitness Australia calls for COVID Marshal overhaul in NSW

25th September 2020 - Fitness Australia asserts there is no clear evidence gyms spread COVID-19

23rd September 2020 - Pilates, strength training and yoga the most popular classes as Australians return to fitness facilities

25th September 2020 - NSW Government relaxes restrictions for cinemas, events, sport and theatre

5th August 2020 - NSW gyms introduce temperature testing and COVID marshals to reduce member Coronavirus risks

29th July 2020 - NSW Government announces all gyms must be staffed at all times

11th June 2020 - Fitness First to reopen NSW gyms from Saturday

2nd June 2020 - NSW Government announces limited opening for indoor pools and gyms from 13th June

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.